£12,000 spring boost for Springhill Hospice through national recycling scheme

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 21:53

By David Murphy

Pictured left-right: Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and portfolio holder for climate change and environment; Jo Ali, community engagement officer at Springhill Hospice; and Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil A

A Rochdale hospice has received a £12,000 donation raised through a national metal recycling initiative that transforms residual materials from cremations into funds for good causes.

Springhill Hospice, which has been supporting patients with life-limiting illnesses since 1989, was selected as a recipient of the scheme, which is supported by Rochdale Borough Council. The programme recovers metals such as artificial joints and coffin components with the express consent of bereaved families and recycles them, generating funds for charities.

The hospice’s community engagement officer Jo Ali said the donation arrives at a critical time. “Springhill Hospice needs to raise over £8,000 per day through fundraising, and with a large deficit heading into the new financial year, this funding is more vital than ever,” she said. “This award will help us continue delivering essential services, from inpatient care to bereavement support.”

The scheme is run nationally by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) and Orthometals and has raised over £22 million since its inception in 2006. In the latest round, £1.6 million was distributed across 198 donations to UK charities.

This is the second time Springhill Hospice has benefited from the programme, having also received £12,000 in 2023.

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and portfolio holder for climate change and environment at Rochdale Borough Council, praised local families for their role in enabling such contributions. “We are extremely thankful to families who consent to the recycling of metals, which directly supports the hospice and the invaluable work it does for the people of our borough,” she said.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, visited the hospice alongside Councillor Ayrton and Jo Ali to mark the occasion.

Charities offering bereavement support to residents of Rochdale are encouraged to apply for the next round of donations later this summer.